Products of the Hive |
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Honey
Nectar is a sweet liquid produced by some flowering plants that attracts honey bees. As the honey bees collect nectar, they pollinate the flowers. The honey bees then transform the nectar into honey by adding helpful enzymes and evaporating excess moisture. Nectar is the chief material in honey and its type determines the flavor, color and aroma of the honey. Florida honey bees produce the finest varietals of honeys including tupelo, orange, and palmetto. Honey is the only sweetening material that requires no manipulation or processing to be ready to eat. Ask your grocer or local Florida beekeeper to provide you with real Florida honey; a taste and aroma you won't soon forget.
Beeswax
Beeswax unlike pollen, propolis and honey is not collected from or derived from plants but is manufactured by honey bees. Sugars found in collected nectar are converted by the honey bees into beeswax. This natural product is not duplicated by man. Beeswax has a long history of use in everyday products. The single largest consumer of beeswax in the United States is the cosmetics industry. Many products such as facial creams, ointments, lotions and lipsticks use beeswax as an ingredient. The candle industry is another large user of raw beeswax to mold and shape into decorative candles. Beeswax can be found in the pharmaceutical and dental industries, floor and furniture polish, crayons, candy, chewing gum, ski wax and in many other well-known products.
Pollen
Usually pollen, male reproductive cells produced by the anthers of flowering plants, is transmitted from one flower to another by pollinators such as honey bees. Extensive research shows that pollen has a high content of trace minerals and vitamins. Pollen is important to honey bees because it supplies a complete diet of nutrients that ensures proper health, development and maintenance of the adults and young honey bees. The use of pollens as a human and animal food supplement is well documented.
Royal Jelly
Royal jelly, like beeswax, is produced by honey bees. Queen Honey Bees first food is Royal Jelly because it is a complete food containing proteins, vitamins, minerals and fats. Royal jelly is traditionally marketed by the cosmetic industry and health food markets all over the world for a variety of health and cosmetic products.
Propolis
Propolis is a sticky resinous material collected by honey bees from a variety of plants and trees buds. Propolis and some of its constituents exhibit a variety of biological and pharmacological properties. The potent antimicrobial activity of propolis is well studied and has a long history as a treatment in human health. Propolis is mainly used in natural supplements and herbal medicines.
